How should employers handle employees who work remotely?
Employers in Washington should consider a set of federal and state regulations when addressing how to handle employees who work remotely. At the federal level, employers should comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and ensure that employees are properly compensated for their hours worked. This includes paying employees at least the minimum wage, tracking hours worked, and providing overtime pay when applicable. Additionally, employers must ensure that any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week are paid at time and a half regardless of the employee’s location. At the state level, employers should be aware of Washington’s unique rules concerning remote workers. For instance, employers must provide detailed information to their remote employees about how to track hours, report time, and submit work. Additionally, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities or health issues that may affect their ability to work from home. Further, employers should not discriminate against remote workers based on their location or require them to work additional hours without appropriate compensation. Similarly, employers should not attempt to limit an employee’s access to job opportunities or promotion opportunities simply because they are working remotely. Overall, employers should use best practices when handling their remote workforce and ensure that they are complying with all federal and state laws.
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